To enhance and protect Council value by providing risk-based and objective assurance, advice and insight

This is the mission set down by the Internal Audit profession. Modern internal audit works alongside and with the organisation at a much deeper level than ever before. Our work should help to unlock improvements, to add real value and insight.

Couple this mission with our own desire to be recognised as a leading Local Government audit service, forward thinking and innovative, then our mission becomes even more ambitious. Sounds like a good challenge doesn’t it? We think so too.

The Partnership

Formed in 2010, the Audit Partnership provides audit, risk, counter fraud and consultancy services to Dartford Borough and Sevenoaks District Councils. We deliver a risk-based audit plan to each partner, which is enhanced through cross-authority working and the sharing of good practice. We are supported fully by Management, Officers, our Audit Board and Audit Committee.

All of the team work across both sites and recognise the unique opportunities available through partnership working. The challenges of working in two different distinct organisations, with their own cultures, behaviours and approaches to business creates a great working environment. Something that we seek to maximise at every turn.

As part of our commitment towards our ambition to be the best, we recently refreshed our operating structure. We have created two new Lead Auditor positions, and through the apprenticeship scheme, have introduce a new Trainee Auditor post. So, it’s an exciting time for us right now, and it’s a great time to be joining us.

The People

We have been fortunate to have experienced an extraordinary level of loyalty and commitment from our team over many years, with our two Auditors having nearly 40 years combined experience. But it has been a time of significant change over the last year. We appointed a new Audit Manager (Chief Audit Executive) in August 2018, and through the new structure, have created three new posts. It is therefore important that we bring in the right people, with the right mindset to actively move us towards achieving our mission.

Our people have a growth mindset, we work together and take great pride in what we do. Never afraid to think differently, and to develop new and bold ways to provide our work, we also provide healthy challenge and encourage each other to achieve the best outcomes. When we achieve our mission, it will be as a result of our people, so if these are all qualities that you see in yourself, to coach and mentor and lead by example, then we want you!

The Role

As the Lead Auditor you will be able to influence direction, and help steer us towards our ambitious goals. Our clients have a clear appetite for us to be adding greater value, and so while you will have a varied plan of work yourself, you will also have authority to seek out added value projects, and taking the lead on delivering this work alongside the agreed audit plan. This proactive approach is essential to enable us to leverage our unique position and provide real insight to issues and risks before they materialise. Your work on the audit plan will be high-level, having a wider strategic impact, and providing you with the opportunity to work across all levels of the Councils.

You will also be operationally supporting two members of the team, providing leadership, coaching and professional development. The team and your peers will look to you for inspiration and as a tool to help deliver high quality work. Working with the team you will also enable the successful delivery of work programmes, special projects and thematic reviews.

Our new structure is designed on the basis of providing opportunity and development from trainee through to Chief Audit Executive. As the Lead Auditor, the technical knowledge for the role is assumed, as is your experience operating at a higher level. But, we are looking for people with the right approach, attitude and passion for the profession. By joining the Partnership you will actively seek to add value, and in return, you will be given every opportunity to develop Chief Audit Executive responsibilities and your leadership style.

Interested… what’s next?

If you are ready for a new challenge, and after reading the above would like to be part of the Partnership in the Lead Auditor role, then we would welcome your application.

Feel free to contact us to have a chat about the role, and find out more about who we are and the work we’ve been doing over the last year. E-mail: Russell Heppleston (Audit Manager) Russell.Heppleston@dartford.gov.uk